GLASS OR PLEXIGLASS: I've found that many photography shows require the use of plexiglass or something similiar. I've also found after checking local suppliers that the cost is way...

calbaby

I've found that many photography shows require the use of plexiglass or something similiar. I've also found after checking local suppliers that the cost is way above my pay grade. And suggestions for ordering sized pieces online

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

How are you using it?

snowbear

I've seen plastic sheets, cut to frame sizes at a local art/craft supply store. I think it was Plaza Art (plazaart.com). Michaels and AC Moore also come to mind. You may even find something at one of the big hardware stores - in the window area.

calbaby

Have tried all those locations. Aaron Brothers wanted $95 dollars for a 12 by 36 inch frame. I guess that is an odd size. I have bought plexiglass for a 24 by 18 frame and fit it myself.

pdwoodswood Loc: Lewisville, NC

calbaby wrote:

I've found that many photography shows require the use of plexiglass or something similiar. I've also found after checking local suppliers that the cost is way above my pay grade. And suggestions for ordering sized pieces online

Home Depot has sheet acrylicpanels

tommyest Loc: N. Hollywood, CA

If possible, I would go with glass, the optical quality will be better.

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

We mount and frame photos in my classes all the time, the price for a 16x20 frame, window and glass is about $35 for materials.

The major cost is with the labor at the framing shops.

You can buy glass at various hardware stores, or you can buy more expensive glass at your local framers. It can get very expensive.

Plexiglass scratche easily,and i mean easy. One can barely remove the protective cover and it leave a scratch.

yooperfalls

I use acrylic, not plexiglass! True it will mark easily but the protection from UV light and light Transmission is better than
glass. Wear gloves when you frame and never use a glass
cleaner. Museum quality acrylic is very expensive but in reading
some of the spec's on acrylic at the lumber yards it looks good enough for me and I can cut it with my matting equipment.

Norm

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

yooperfalls wrote:

I use acrylic, not plexiglass!

Sorry but Plexiglas(r) is acrylic. Just the best known brand of it and better than the no-name imports.

If you have trouble getting the liner off, the problem may be due to having an old sheet. For large sheets, we roll it off by rolling a tube over the surface and wrapping the liner on the tube. In any event, you should not be scratching it. Acrylic is softer than glass.

As for a cheap source, call a local supply house, sign company or fabricator and try to buy a scrap. Call Streamwood Plastics in Schaumburg, IL, for scrap. What size and color are you looking for?

Perhaps you could use Sintra, rigid foam pvc, if you do not need clear. Lexan(r) or polycarbonate is similar to Plexiglas(r) but a lot stronger and more expensive.

AbeFlags Loc: Northern Va (Fairfax & Vienna)

Hi, I'm in Vienna / Fairfax, Virginia.

I'm the owner of Abe Lincoln Flags Banners & Signs. I use Acrylic, both clear and frosted for light boxes. You may check out a local sign shop. For example, I have walk-in customers who need various sizes of blank materials.

I have my supplier cut to size and ship to me the next day. If you are in need of acrylic, check out my supplier at www.Harborsales.net.
They will not sell to you but you can check out the thicknesses available. Check with sign companies in your area to see if they can do AT A REASONABLE COST to you.

If you feel you're getting gouged, contact me at AbeFlags@aol.com. John.

AbeFlags Loc: Northern Va (Fairfax & Vienna)

Hi, I'm in Vienna / Fairfax, Virginia.

I'm the owner of Abe Lincoln Flags Banners & Signs. I use Acrylic, both clear and frosted for light boxes. You may check out a local sign shop. For example, I have walk-in customers who need various sizes of blank materials.

I have my supplier cut to size and ship to me the next day. If you are in need of acrylic, check out my supplier at www.Harborsales.net.
They will not sell to you but you can check out the thicknesses available. Check with sign companies in your area to see if they can do AT A REASONABLE COST to you.

If you feel you're getting gouged, contact me at AbeFlags@aol.com. John.

woody54895 Loc: NW Wisconsin

I buy 4' X 8' sheets and cut it down to size.

AbeFlags Loc: Northern Va (Fairfax & Vienna)

Good point on the Sintra. Sintra is very easy to cut (3mm). I use one of thos dollar store knives to cut it to make signs at our sign shop. Like any sign shop, I've always got odds and ends (not really scrap as its always usable for something.

Most sign shops have pieces with minor scratches, but unless its in frontthe the photo it should not matter. All sintra comes in colors and is NOT CLEAR. The common color is WHITE MATTE.

John (AbeFlags@aol.com)

calbaby

Thanks for all the suggestions. Will check out sign shops. Have tried to cut pieces myself but have not been too successful with that approach.

ginnyeck Loc: Anderson, SC

You might also want to check with a glass shop. Most glass companies carry glass and plexiglas. As stated above, do not use any chemicals on plexi- it will scratch it. They do make a plexiglas spray cleaner but a damp soft cloth works well. Some of the art shows in our area require plexi because of safety.